Our nation’s birthday will be celebrated this week, with Fourth of July celebrations and dazzling fireworks displays taking place across Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln counties and beyond. Hometown celebrations, multi-day festivals and baseball games followed by fireworks displays give folks plenty of chances to commemorate the holiday.

Here’s a roundup of Independence Day festivities in our area and within driving distance. Admission is free unless noted.

GASTON COUNTY

CHERRYVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

When:6-10 p.m. Wednesday, with fireworks starting at 10 p.m.

Where:Downtown Mini-Park, East Main Street.

What’s Happening:Beach music favorites Jim Quick & The Coastline Band will be the featured performers. Food vendors selling all of the traditional festival foods will be on hand. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Details: 704-435-3451.

GASTONIA GRIZZLIES FIREWORKS

When:Tuesday, following the conclusion of the Gastonia Grizzlies/Columbia Blowfish baseball game. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Where:Sims Legion Park, 1001 N. Marietta St., Gastonia.

Cost:General admission tickets are $7.

What’s Happening: The All-You-Can-Eat & Drink special will be available for $15 and includes hot dogs, chips, soda, beer and ticket.

Details: www.gastoniagrizzlies.comor 704-866-8622.

GASTONIA JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

When:11 a.m.-9p.m. Thursday. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gastonia.

What’s Happening:The celebration will begin with a military ceremony at the Rotary Pavilion and will include carnival rides and games, music at the Rotary Pavilion, a car show, street vendors, children’s activities, food vendors and fireworks. Downtown merchants will be featured with sidewalk shopping and downtown restaurants will be open. A Firecracker Bake Off takes place at the Gastonia Conference Center and there will be hot dog, watermelon and pie eating contests.

Details: www.gastoniajuly4th.com

POLIE Q. CLONINGER MEMORIAL FIREWORKS

When:Dusk Thursday.

Where:Church Street, across from the old Dallas High School Apartments, Dallas.

Where:North Academy Street between Freedom Church and First United Methodist Church, downtown Lincolnton and Lincolnton High School football stadium, 803 N. Aspen St.

What’s Happening:The annual event features free children’s activities from 6 to 8 p.m., a parade through downtown beginning at 8 p.m. and an evening capped off by a patriotic ceremony at 9 p.m. and the fireworks display at the high school stadium.

Details:704-736-8980.

CLEVELAND COUNTY

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT THE PARK

When:Begins at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Where: Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter St.

Cost:$3 for arm band good for rides and bounces and $1 admission to pool.

What’s Happening:The day begins with a Horse Shoe Tournament at 9 a.m. Next will be a Corn Hole Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. The pool opens with “Swim for a Dollar” day from noon to 6 p.m. (swimmers 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult). From noon to 4 p.m. carnival rides will be set up in the aid conditioned gym and the Carrousel and Rotary Train will be open. Concessions will be available.

What’s Happening:A gathering of Revolutionary re-enactor militias will be camped prior to the celebration, music, a mock cannon battle and the largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville highlight the event.

Details: 704-473-8727.

LATTIMORE

When: Thursday

Parade: Entries will line up for the parade on Oak Drive/Towery Road at 8 a.m. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and go up Westlee, Main and Price Streets. Entries will include law enforcement vehicles, antique cars, horses, tractors, and more.

What’s Happening: After the parade, a patriotic program will be presented at the recreation park of Lattimore Baptist Church. The celebration begins around 10 a.m. and will features the recognition of veterans and entertainment including The Chick Band, a group of retired teachers playing a variety of music from classic country to The Beetles.

What’s Happening: A walking parade at 1 p.m. followed by the second annual Soapbox Derby at 2 p.m. Live music, watermelon and pie eating contests, vendors, inflatables and a cornhole tournament round out the festivities before closing with fireworks at dark.

Details: www.Rutherfordtown.com.

FOREST CITY OWLS FIREWORKS

When:Thursday following the conclusion of the First City Owls/Martinsville Mustangs baseball game. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

What’s Happening:Both days feature live music with fireworks at dusk. Free admission; parking is $5.

Details: www.usnwc.orgor 704-391-3900.

CAROWINDS MILITARY DAYS

When:Wednesday and Thursday; fireworks Thursday only.

Where:Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte.

Cost:Online single day tickets are $46.99 ($56.99 at front gate); online twilight (after 4 p.m.) tickets are $26.99. Active, inactive and retired U.S. military personnel with valid military I.D. will receive free admission. Single day parking is $12.

What’s Happening:The “Celebrate America” fireworks show will illuminate the sky Thursday night. During both days, presentations of the colors, flag ceremonies, performances and all-you-can-eat picnics take place.

Details: www.carowinds.comor 704-588-2600.

NOVANT HEALTH JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR

When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.

Where:Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive, Charlotte.

What’s Happening:Family friendly activities with food and drinks (no alcohol) available for purchase. Spectators can bring blankets and find spots on the field. Free admission; parking at Memorial Stadium is $5.

Details: www.charlottecentercity.orgor 704-332-2227.

CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

When:8:15 Wednesday. Prelude acts at 7 p.m. and gates open at 5 p.m.

Where:Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte.

What’s Happening:The patriotic program includes cannons and fireworks.

What’s Happening:A land parade kicks off the event. A boat parade from Nivens Creek to Windjammer Park and a canoe joust at Windjammer both begin at 11 a.m. A ski show takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. and a splish-n-splash takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Glennon Center, 15077 Molokai Drive. A fish fry is from 4:30-7 p.m. and ceremonies are from 8:15-9:15.

WBT/KNIGHTS SKYSHOW 2013

When:Wednesday following the conclusion of the Charlotte Knights/Durham Bulls baseball game, which starts at 7:15 p.m.

Where:Knights Stadium, 2280 Deerfield Drive, Fort Mil, S.C.

Cost:Tickets are $8-$15.

Details: www.charlotteknights.comor 704-357-8071.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

BLOWING ROCK 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL AND PARADE

When:Saturday.

Where:Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock.

What’s Happening:Games, music and fun, plus the small-town Main Street parade.

Details: www.blowingrock.comor 828-295-5222.

TWEETSIE RAILROAD FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

When:9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday.

Where:300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock.

Cost:Daily admission is $37 adults and $23 children 3-12, free children 2 and younger. Parking for fireworks show is $5.

What’s Happening:Festivities include evening entertainment and one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the High Country.